S,T,U, V, W

S

Sadism–The act of inflicting pain.

Safe call– A practice sometimes used as a safety measure when meeting a new partner for the first time. The safe call is a prearranged telephone call made to a trusted friend at a specific time to let that friend know that everything is okay; may involve the use of special code words to indicate whether or not the person making the safe call is in danger or distress.

Safeword – A codeword a bottom can use to force BDSM activity to stop – used especially in scenes which may involve consensual force.

Saint Andrews Cross – This is a cross made in an X formation. It is generally angled and self-supporting. Some are suspended from ceilings, or mounted directly to a wall. The cross has leather restraints for arms, legs and body, Some have hooks along the edges for a person to be “laced” to the cross. Used for sexual play, or punishment can be administered while attached to the cross.

Scat play–feces play

Scene– A time period of BDSM activities. Also used to refer to the BDSM community.

Self-bondage– The act or practice of tying one’s self up or otherwise restraining one’s self, sometimes as a part of masturbation. Often includes some mechanism by which the person may be freed after a set amount of time, which may include a timer mechanism to release a key or otherwise release the person.

Sensation play: BDSM play where the intent is to push people’s sensory limits, thus exploring texture, sensory deprival, through to whips, flagellation and edgeplay

Sensory Deprivation – Play which involves “depriving” the submissive of certain sensory perceptions.

Sissy–A male submissive subject to feminization, as by being made to wear women’s clothing, act like a woman in social settings, and so on.

Slave – A totally subordinate person who needs total direction in all aspects of their life. To be owned, to serve, without question, and who questions nothing they are told.

Soft Limits–Something that someone is hesitant to do or nervous to try. They can sometimes be talked into the activity, or preferably it may be negotiated at a trial or beginner level into a scene.

Spanking – involves striking someone with the palm of the hand or other object (i.e., paddle, hairbrush, pig slapper, riding crop, etc.) on the buttocks as a form of punishment / humiliation. Mild spanking can be very erotic and when done correctly can push the submissive into “subspace” releasing endorphins which in turn creates a sense of euphoria.

Spreader Bar – A bar type device used to “spread” apart arms / legs of the submissive. Bars can be made of common, inexpensive materials such as dowel rods, pvc pipe, broomsticks, etc.

Stocks – A type of bondage “furniture” based on the medieval form of stocks used for punishment. Stocks usually consist of two hinged pieces of wood with semi-circular holes which when locked together form a ring large enough for the head / neck and wrists to be placed inside.

Submissive – One who gives freely of themselves for the pleasures of another. A subordinate with negotiated limits.

Subspace – A mental altered state in which a person can be taken to. Space is a form of hypnotism that can be self attained, or a Dominant can aid to obtain. Subspace is used for sexual pleasure, and can be utilized to convert pain to pleasure. After care is mandatory, as is constant monitoring. Not for the novice.

Switch – One who “switches” between Dominant / submissive roles, i.e. from scene-to-scene or within a scene. Some switches may submit to one Dominant, and dominate others, etc.

T

Table Play – A padded table, where the submissive is restrained for play. The table has many securing points to offer different positions for play or examination. Tables can be used as racks if outfitted accordingly.

Tampon Training – Tampons inserted into the rectum, used as an anal plug, for play or punishment.

Tit torture–The act of causing deliberate physical pain to the breasts and nipples.

Ticklers – These are 16 to 18 inch rods with a tiny *flogger* attached on the end. Great for small areas where precision impacts are desired. Other ticklers include feathers, sandpaper, etc.

Top– One who administers some form of stimulation, such as spankings, floggings, or some other kind of stimulation on another person but does not have psychological control or power over that person.

Trainer – A Dominant who helps submissives understand the sexual aspects of the lifestyle. Study and play sessions are the normal negotiations.

U

Uniform – Play which involves the submissive wearing a “uniform”. Such uniforms could include cheerleader uniform, maid uniform, etc. Commonly used in role-playing scenes.

V

Vaginal hook-A smooth metal hook, usually about an inch thick and six to eight inches long, designed to be inserted into the vagina. The other end typically is bent into a loop into which a rope can be tied.

Vampire gloves- Gloves used for sensation play which have a large number of short spikes or needles protruding from the palms and/or fingers.

Vanilla-Someone who is not into BDSM. Alternatively, sexual behaviour which does not encompass BDSM activity.

Voyeurism – Term meaning the act of watching, peeping. In BDSM play, means to watch someone engage in sex or other forms of sensual / erotic play.

W

Water Torture – A form of “torture” involving water. After care is extremely important. Example: Laying the submissive face up while dripping water on the forehead for extended periods of time. Derived from the Chinese.

Weights – Used to extend or pull, by pressure. Vaginal weights used on labia, for example, pull the labia to stretch, for play or punishment depending on the amount of weight used.

Whipping Post – Designs vary according to builder, but the principle is to have a tall post with tethers that hang down, to attach a person from their wrists. Used for positioning a submissive for ease of whipping. Some Dominants use the “whipping post” for punishment only, and never for play.